Golf on a budget in South Africa

If you’re a golfer on a budget, South Africa is a great destination for several reasons, including the likely favourable exchange rate you will enjoy, as well as the variety of affordable courses to play at. Affordable accommodation is also usually nearby.

Did you know?

The Royal Cape Golf Club in the Western Cape, founded in 1885, is South Africa’s oldest.

Even if you feel you unable to afford to play at South Africa’s top golf establishments such as Sun City, Fancourt and Zimbali, there are numerous more affordable courses to try out around the country. You don’t have to be a member to play at most country clubs and you’ll likely find the green fees at these establishments very reasonable by general international standards.

Most establishments offer the option of only paying for nine holes if you don’t wish to pay for 18. If you don’t want to bring your clubs to South Africa, you will be able to hire a set at most courses. Multiple driving ranges are available in all of South Africa’s major cities and mini-golf establishments in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban are easily accessible and very cheap.

While Gauteng is generally considered expensive by South African standards, you can still play nine holes of golf for about R120. The Linksfield Golf Club, near OR Tambo International Airport, offers this sort of rate and has three different courses to choose from. Visitors are always welcome here. If you are staying in Pretoria, you’ll get good value by visiting Akasia Country Club.

The Metropolitan Golf Club, situated next to the Cape Town Stadium, offers 18 holes in a combination of urban and natural surroundings, at very reasonable rates. You can also hire clubs here. If you’re travelling along the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay Country Club is one of the more affordable courses.

If you can’t afford the Durban Country Club, then consider the Kloof Country Club for a much cheaper round. Bosch Hoek Country Club, a 90-minute drive from Durban, is a nine-hole course with very forgiving fairways so you're likely to save money on balls as well as green fees if you’re a hacker.

Best time to visit

Some establishments offer specials or cheaper rates during the week

What will it cost

Driving ranges generally charge around R20 for a bucket of 50 balls. A game of mini-golf generally costs around R20 for nine holes. A round of nine holes at a standard country club starts from around R120.

What to pack

You may find it cheaper to rent clubs in South Africa than to take your own set with you.

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